Vedan rose to fame with his album Voice of Voiceless, which features anti-caste rap songs. His arrest has attracted more attention than those of the actors recently questioned, largely due to his strong fan base.
Published May 01, 2025 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated May 01, 2025 | 9:41 AM
Hirandas Murali aka Vedan.
Synopsis: Malayalam rapper-activist Vedan’s arrest for cannabis possession and for wearing a leopard tooth has ignited fierce debate across Kerala over caste, politics, and artistic freedom. Many allege that the authorities’ decision to book the artist under the Wildlife Protection Act is disproportionate and intended to silence his anti-caste, politically charged music. The case has overshadowed recent drug-related arrests in the film industry and has raised questions about selective enforcement and media sensationalism.
The drug menace in the Malayalam film industry has been making headlines for some time.
Earlier this month, a case was filed against actor Shine Tom Chacko, who made a dramatic escape from a luxury hotel in Kochi when the DANSAF squad of the Kerala Police raided the hotel – CCTV footage of which received widespread media attention.
Days later, two Malayalam directors, Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamsa, were arrested for possession of one and a half grams of drugs from a Kochi flat owned by fellow director Samir Tahir.
Following this, Shine Tom Chacko and actor Sreenath Bhasi were questioned by the Excise Department regarding their possible connection to the Alappuzha Hybrid case, in which a woman was arrested for possessing hybrid cannabis.
All of these incidents drew intense media scrutiny.
On Monday, April 28, Malayalam rapper Vedan (Hirandas Murali) and eight members of his music troupe were arrested for possessing six grams of cannabis. The arrest was made by the Tripunithura Hill Station police. The SHO told the media that cannabis was found in Vedan’s flat and that he had confessed to using it.
However, the case took a turn when police discovered a leopard tooth on a chain worn by Vedan. When questioned, Vedan said it was a gift from a fan during a music show in Chennai last year. The police then informed the Kerala Forest Department in Kodanad.
Following an inquiry, the Forest Department booked the 30-year-old rapper under multiple sections of the Wildlife Protection Act. These include illegal hunting, possession of animal trophies, and unlawful acquisition of government property derived from wild animals.
Vedan was placed in two-day custody by a magistrate court, which ended at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. While the Forest Department opposed his bail citing the need for further investigation, the court granted him conditional bail, ordering him to surrender his passport and cooperate with the inquiry. Vedan maintained that he did not know the item was a leopard tooth.
As part of the evidence collection process, forest officials took Vedan to a jewellery shop in Viyyur, Thrissur, where the alleged leopard tooth was set into a chain. He was also taken to his residence in Thrissur for further inspection.
After his release, Vedan issued a public apology, particularly addressing his younger fans. “I admit to consuming alcohol and having the habit of smoking. Let me see if I can become a better person,” he said.
In a surprising shift in tone, Forest Minister AK Saseendran, who had earlier demanded that Vedan prove his innocence, acknowledged the rapper’s politically charged lyrics and urged him to “rectify his mistakes and come back soon.” The minister also said that officials involved in the arrest and those who briefed the media would be asked to clarify the sequence of events.
Meanwhile, Vedan, known for his strong political views in his songs, has consistently spoken out against synthetic drugs during his live shows. Speaking to the media, he admitted to consuming alcohol and using cannabis but clarified that he does not use synthetic or chemical drugs.
Vedan is currently in the custody of the Forest Department and will be produced before the court on May 2. He has said that he will address the issue publicly once he is out of custody.
Vedan rose to fame with his album Voice of Voiceless, which features anti-caste rap songs. His arrest has attracted more attention than those of the actors recently questioned, largely due to his strong fan base. Amidst this, there have been allegations and discussions that the case against him by the Forest Department may be an attempt to silence his politics of resistance, which he expresses through his music.
Kerala-based lawyer and activist Harish Vasudevan wrote on social media that Vedan’s politically conscious art may have made some in the media and upper-caste police uncomfortable.
He alleged there is an attempt to cancel Vedan’s cultural work using sensational headlines and disproportionate legal action. Harish also highlighted a double standard, comparing Vedan’s case to that of actor Mohanlal.
He pointed out that Vedan could face a seven-year sentence for wearing a leopard tooth, while Mohanlal, who was allegedly found with two ivory tusks at home, faced no legal consequences.
Dalit writer KK Baburaj expressed solidarity with Vedan on social media. He also extended support to filmmakers Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza, who were mentioned in the recent cannabis case.
Dr Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, former Metropolitan of the Niranam Diocese, also voiced his support on Facebook. He wrote, “In this country, not only people, but even animals and their body parts are subjected to caste. I stand with Vedan’s ‘politics of blackness’ and against drug abuse. Let Vedan’s cultural revolution against white gods continue.”
Speaking to South First, a close acquaintance of Vedan, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was worried when Vedan mentioned the Enforcement Directorate during one of his shows. She feared it would bring him trouble. Now that he is in custody, she is concerned that efforts may be made to silence him.
In a Facebook post, Congress MLA AP Anilkumar said that if Vedan has done wrong, he should be given a chance to reform.
He criticised the police and excise department for giving excessive media attention to the arrests. Anilkumar added that the government is trying to create a show of action through its anti-drug drive.
He pointed out that a case that could have been resolved with station bail was intensified by slapping forest department charges. He also criticised the government for not making any real effort to trace the source or suppliers of the drugs, which he said is the most crucial issue.
CPI(M) leader MA Baby wrote on Facebook that drugs are harmful and should not be justified. Citing reggae musician Bob Marley, he noted that even Marley was arrested for drug use. He said he enjoys music, especially Pan-African music, but that doesn’t mean drug use is acceptable.
Meanwhile, Malayalam director Jude Anthany Joseph also shared his views on Facebook. He said there is no need to whitewash Vedan’s actions. He pointed out that many de-addiction centres have opened in Kerala, showing how seriously drugs have impacted people’s lives.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
